Sound quality

Why is the sound quality so bad when playing pandora or Spotify though Bluetooth? Have to have the volume up very high. But apple play has very good quality just like radio or sxm.

 

Idk, always been like that. I switched to Youtube Music years ago because of that.

 

I think it's because Bluetooth doesn't have the bandwidth to support higher resolution.

 

When playing CarPlay, are you wired to the HU? With Bluetooth, is the Bluetooth volume turned up on your phone?

Other suggestions are good, these are my questions.

 

I have tried both Bluetooth and wired. But it is about the same. And volume is max on phone. I think it has more to do with the song recording quality. Most all I listen to is old school punk rock so it acts more like the song I think.

 

Well, Apple does have the “Apple Masters” quality. I know that when I played old school electronic, quality was worse on Spotify. I use Apple Music now.

 

I've got a 3rd gen with the premium audio package...mine sounds good? It's not nearly as good as my Land Rover with 21 speakers, but it's good enough. Only ever listen to music via iphone while plugged in, though.

 

i believe it's the service. everyone tells me if you pay for the premium account the audio gets better. every time someone tries talking me into spotify, it ends up sounding like cats killing each other with guitar solo's.

 

I’ve had all of the streaming services. “HD” audio does have some benefits but by far the weakest link is the stock head unit (followed by the stock speakers in a very close 2nd place).

Upgrade to an aftermarket head with a little bit of amplification and better EQ and you won’t notice much difference unless you are a serious audiophile.

 

This is correct depending on the streaming service. Pandora, for instance, provides high bit rate (less compressed audio, better quality) for subscribers. Pretty sure spotify probably does as well